Constitution Day

Unit of 4 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Issue Area: 
Civil society
Focus Question 

What is the purpose of the Constitution? In what ways are the goals of the Constitution like philanthropy?

Unit Overview 

Each fall classrooms across the country teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day. This unit includes one-session Constitution Day lesson plans for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This living document, carefully constructed over 200 years ago, lays out the rules and rights to establish a community of people who get along, are fair to one another, and have the right to live out their best selves. In each lesson of this unit, students learn about the goals, the components, and the lasting legacy of the Constitution, as it relates to making the country, and world, a better place. 

Service Experience 
Every day you have the opportunity to take action to make the world a better place. We all have something to give, whether it is something we know, have, or do. In honor of the intent of the Constitution that was carefully designed to respect people's differences, students may make a pledge to do one thing to show respect for someone that is different. 
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
Constitution Day
Lesson 2 of 4
Grades: 
3
4
5

Students explore the components of the Preamble of the U.S.  Constitution and apply them to their own lives, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy. This lesson is designed for Citizenship/Constitution Day (September 17) and connects students to the community-building focus of the Constitution and how it relates personally to their lives and action. 

Unit: 
Constitution Day
Lesson 3 of 4
Grades: 
6
7
8

Students identify the components and rationale behind the Constitution, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy. This lesson is designed for Citizenship/Constitution Day (September 17) and connects students to the community-building focus of the Constitution and how it relates personally to their lives and action. 

Unit: 
Constitution Day
Lesson 4 of 4
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students identify key events in U.S. history and the magnitude of the Constitution in context, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy. This lesson is designed for Citizenship/Constitution Day (September 17) and connects students to the historical significance of the Constitution and how it relates personally to their lives and action.